Key Information You Need to Know About Tugboat Accidents
Our maritime accident lawyers at Palazzo Law Firm are dedicated to ensuring full compensation for those injured on or near the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, or any other body of water. We specialize in representing victims of various accidents, including offshore drilling, commercial and recreational boating and diving, dock accidents, and tugboat accidents. Due to the unique legal landscape surrounding these types of cases, we understand the complexities involved and have over 20 years of experience navigating the various maritime laws, such as the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), and the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). Regardless of whether you were injured on the job or not, our ultimate goal is to ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
What are Tugboats?
Louisiana has waterways, both coastal and inland, that experience tugboat accidents. These vessels transport across the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and tugboat accidents have remained a safety threat to seafarers. Maritime employees who suffer injuries while at sea can seek legal assistance to file claims. Tugboats are specialized vessels that tow or push rigs, barges, and other vessels, and they come in three main types. Harbor tugboats are big and maneuver through crowded harbors, river tugboats are called to tow vessels that break down on rivers, and ocean tugboats are the largest and operate in the open ocean.
Common Tugboat Accidents
Tugboats are prone to accidents, and the risk of injury is high due to the heavy equipment and machinery they use, which is similar to that found on larger ships. Common tugboat accidents in Louisiana include collisions, mechanical failures, capsizing, and slip and fall incidents. Tugboat accidents in Louisiana are a real threat to maritime workers, and incidents involving tugboats remain a safety concern. Despite the lower number of accidents involving tugboats compared to other freight transportation, these incidents remain a significant threat to maritime workers.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that protects employees who become disabled on the job while working on navigable waters in the United States. The law provides for the payment of compensation, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation services. The LHWCA also provides for compensation in the form of survivor benefits to dependents if the work injury causes, or contributes to, the employee’s death. These benefits are typically paid by the self-insured employer or by a private insurance company on the employer’s behalf.
Palazzo Law Firm’s Maritime Accident Lawyer’s Can Help.
To discuss your maritime injury claim, we offer a free consultation. Contact us by calling 504-433-1442 or emailing us. You can even stop by our offices in Gretna or Metairie for legal advice today. We work on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any attorney fees unless we successfully get you compensation. Let our experienced boat and maritime accident lawyers start working on your case today.
Source:
dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc/FAQ/lsfaqs
